Lima became the capital of Peru after the Incas were eradicated by the Spaniards. It later became the most powerful city in South America during the 17th and 18th C. until an earthquake in 1746 destroyed all but 20 houses and killed 4000 people. It has taken many decades for Lima to build its city up to what it is today but crime is still a major problem here. One of the girls from our tour was walking back from a night out with 6 other people when she was suddenly pulled out of the group by a young man and her camera stolen. He was so quick that no one in the group realised until she started to yell and no one was able to catch him. Admittedly the area they were in at the time wasn't the safest in Lima. But what surprised me was that the thief was so cunning that not even 6 other people in the group realised that anything was happening.

As unfortunate as this was, Lima signalled the end of our Bolivia-Peru tour experience so there were still plenty of reasons for partying. And what better way to end the tour than with Lima's annual Pisco Sour festival (I love the way the South Americans celebrate their alcohol!).